NEW: Dew heater behind the LED panel is now included with all of our motorized flat panels for free!
Making flats can be quite cumbersome, especially if you stride towards automation and simplification of the process. Our flap panel makes making flat frames with your refractor telescopes part of automated routine, without hacks like LCD screens, sky with T-shirt etc.
While you image, flap panel is neatly tucked away next to the refractor tube. When you finish imaging, you simply close it up and turn on (dimmable) LED light. You can adjust the brightness according to your camera responsiveness/gain settings and different filters.
For those in humid environments, we’re also providing an optional accessory: a built-in heater integrated behind the LED light. This feature effectively dries up dew from the LED panel and prevents any moisture from seeping into the OTA when you close the panel in the morning.
But wait, there’s more! With the release of our FP2, we have improved a few crucial aspects of our flaps, based on your feedback. We have replaced Micro-USB connector with USB-C connector for more reliable connectivity, upgraded MCU to ARM Cortex, improved the mechanics and added new advanced features such as obstacle detection, custom open position and automatic end position calibration. Fore additional details, you can check our Youtube video or user manual.
Features
- Compact modular design
- Compression rings customized especially to your telescope
- ARM cortex processor for good performance and connectivity
- Cross-platform control panel (Windows, Linux, Mac-OS)
- Easy installation (no bolts, 1x hand tightening knob, no fiddly zip ties)
- Dimmable LED light
- Servo motor with 270 degrees of motion and improved mechanics
- High brightness selection resolution (12-bit – 0-4096)
- Manual control with button
- Built in magnets, which snap the panel nice and tight when opened/closed
- Custom open position (disabled by default)
- Integrated obstacle detection
- Automatic range calibration
- ASCOM support (up to 6 concurrent devices, with automatic port detection)
- INDI support
- ASIAIR support (optional, with special cable – for ASIAIR Pro and ASIAIR Plus only)
- Built-in LED heater to prevent dew accumulation on the LED surface (included)
- PC connectivity: USB-C cable (included)
- Power requirements: 12V 3A (not included)
Dimensions
We are currently offering the following 5 different categories of flap panels:
| Category | Dimensions
(W x H x D in mm) |
Min. dewshield dia. (mm) | Max. dewshield dia. (mm) | Effective LED diameter (mm) | Weight (g) |
| FLAP100 | 138 x 188 x 100 | 40 | 103 | 75 | 470 |
| FLAP125 | 164 x 213 x 100 | 104 | 128 | 100 | 526 |
| FLAP150 | 189 x 238 x 100 | 129 | 154 | 125 | 647 |
| FLAP170 | 209 x 258 x 100 | 155 | 175 | 145 | 700 |
| FLAP194 | 234 x 282 x 100 | 176 | 202 | 169 | 800 |
| FLAP260 | 301 x 348 x 100 | 203 | 268 | 235 | 1175 |
Ari (verified owner) –
The new DeepSkyDad FP2 motorized flat panel for the Esprit 100 is an excellent, well-crafted, and professional product offered at an affordable price.
Significant improvements have been made since the previous FP1 model, including a compact modular design, Installation on the Esprit 100 is straightforward, requiring no bolts and utilizing a hand-tightening knob. The servo motor operates smoothly with a 270-degree range of motion, and built-in magnets securely hold the panel in both open and closed positions. Cable management has been enhanced for a cleaner setup. The FP2 can be controlled via ASIAIR using a special DeepSkyDad ASIAIR cable, available separately. Overall, the configuration is aesthetically pleasing and functions effectively for capturing flats, covering for darks, and serving as a sealed cover when not in use. Well done, DeepSkyDad!